I need Quiet now.

I used to not require it: I was a perpetual extrovert who could hop from social event to social event with an unending supply of emotional energy to be present and upbeat and happy. Being around people fueled me and the only quiet time I needed was when I closed my eyes to sleep at the end of the day.

But somewhere along the lines, things changed. Maybe it’s because of the three really LOUD kids in our house, that my need for Quiet has budded and blossomed. Or the nature of my career where I need to be “on” and available all the time. I love my kids and I love my job. 100%. But I am finding that I need some quiet time in my life to replenish what I am pouring out, my trying to do my best to be a present mother and dedicated career-woman.

I listened to a podcast that really resonated with me, and it talks of the give-and-take of life. How we are a good gift to the world, and by giving of ourselves we find purpose and joy, but we also need to take time to rest, and recharge.

I just find it so fascinating the way our personalities and character can shift and evolve as we journey through this crazy thing called life.

I still adore being around people, and I love going to parties and gatherings and savouring the beauty of community. I just also happen to need some time now where no one is talking, no one needs me, and I can just be. Sometimes it feels like that can only happen once a year, but I am working on carving out the time to recharge, even in the midst of the crazy.

Have you seen your personality morph as you find yourself in different stages of life? I liken it a bit to the gradual greying of my hair. As a child, I was white-blonde, then my hair got darker as I got older, and now I am seeing a few little wiry grays push through my part: new pieces of me, saying hello.

Hi, grey hair! Hello, person who needs Quiet! Nice to meet you!